Newly appointed UH regents vetted at Capitol

Two of the three recently appointed University of Houston System regents began their confirmation process Wednesday by reporting to the Senate Nominations committee.

Spencer Armour of Midland and Roger Welder of Victoria appeared in front of the committee, which must approve all appointments made during a legislative session, to discuss challenges facing the university and their plans moving forward. Welcome Wilson Jr., CEO of a large real estate firm in Houston, did not make the hearing in time, citing traffic problems.

Armour, a managing partner of Armada Oil and Gas Company in Midland, said improving graduation rates and work-study programs will be key in advancing the system’s mission.

Welder is a former CEO of a family ranching enterprise in south Texas and previously served on the board for Victoria College.

Wilson’s father served on the university system’s Board of Regents from 2006-2011.

Each of the members, if approved, will serve on the board until August 2017. The committee is expected to vote on the appointees next week, but did not express any concern with the appointees.

Political contributions

Wilson, the only appointee to donate to Governor Perry’s political campaigns in the past, donated more than $71,000, according to campaign finance records.

Armour contributed $20,500 to the University of Houston’s PAC while the majority of Welder’s political contributions went to Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raiser Association’s PAC, according to Andrew Wheat of Texans for Public Justice, a campaign finance watchdog group.